Montgomery celebrates the new year with confetti, fireworks and dancing in the street (photos, video)

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Hundreds of Montgomery residents crowded the streets of downtown on New Year's Eve to celebrate the start of 2013 with live music, fireworks and confetti at the Night of Lights event.

While musical acts Groove Merchants and Creativity performed on stage, residents gathered throughout the streets to dance and spend time with friends and families.

At midnight, a virtual laser rise and ring counted off for the crowd as 400 pounds of confetti was shot into the air. Afterwards, a fireworks display was featured over the city.

"It was a lot of fun," said Faulkner student Cori Waldrop. "I liked the music, confetti and fireworks. It was just really great."

This is Montgomery's first year hosting a free community event on New Year's Eve.

New Year's Eve 2012 MontgomeryHundreds of Montgomery residents crowded the streets of downtown on New Year's Eve to celebrate the start of 2013 with live music, fireworks and confetti at the Night of Lights event.